Beyond the Boilerplate
October Newsletter - Curated by Boilersource
BOILERSOURCE IS
YOUR SOURCE FOR COMBINED
HEAT AND POWER (CHP) 5-200 kW RANGE
POWERING EFFICIENCY, REDUCING COSTS
Boilersource is proud to be THE source for cutting-edge Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems in the 5-200 kW range. We are the authorized representatives for industry-leading brands, including EC Power, Axiom, and Enginuity Power Systems, offering solutions that enhance energy efficiency and deliver tangible cost savings.
ASHRAE 2025 Winter Conference will be held in Orlando, Florida, from February 8-12, 2025. This premier event brings together industry professionals, innovators, and experts to discuss the latest advancements in HVAC&R technologies, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Register by October 31, 2024 to take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your spot at the event. This is a great opportunity to save while ensuring you are part of this industry-leading conference.
Having the right parts available quickly is critical to keeping operations running smoothly. That’s why we’re proud to offer a robust inventory of parts that are in-stock and ready to pick up or ship.
Whether you’re dealing with urgent repairs or planning regular maintenance, we have the solutions you need, when you need them. Our wide selection of high-quality parts ensures that you can keep your systems operating efficiently with minimal downtime.
TLC 360: COMPLETE LIFECYCLE SOLUTIONS FOR BOILER Systems
We are more than just equipment and parts—we provide complete solutions and support for the entire lifecycle of a boiler system. That’s where our TLC 360 approach comes in.
TLC 360 is designed to support boiler systems every step of the way for our clients. Our holistic approach ensures optimal performance, energy efficiency, and cost savings throughout the life of the equipment.
What Does TLC 360 Include?
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Specification Support: Professional support recommending the right equipment for the right setting.
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Total Installation Support: Expertise to ensure the boiler is set up right from day one.
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Lifecycle Maintenance: Regular check-ups and maintenance service guidance to keep your system running efficiently.
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Custom Solutions: Tailored upgrades or parts replacements to extend the life of the equipment.
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Emergency Support: Quick and responsive service when its needed the most.
By partnering with Boilersource, you can rest assured that boiler systems will perform at its best for years to come, with the comprehensive support.
CATCHING UP WITH DON D’AGOSTINO, ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS
At Boilersource, we’re proud to spotlight the team who make a difference every day. Today, we’re featuring Don D’Agostino, one of our key team members helping customers ensure they have the equipment and parts to keep buildings operating efficiently.
Don, what got you into this industry?
My dad was a plumbing contractor and I worked with him when I was young. When he retired, I took a job at a wholesaler and spent many years there. After gaining experience, I transitioned into a role as an equipment representative, and I’ve really enjoyed that position ever since. I have been at Boilersource for 16 years.
How has the industry evolved over the years?
The industry has changed dramatically since I first started, and not just with the technology and efficiency improvements of the equipment. The way we interact with customers has evolved a lot as well.
It used to be easy to build relationships. You could spend time with people, get to know them outside of immediate business transactions. Now, with everything moving towards electronic communication – emails, phones – it's different. It feels more transactional, faster paced and the personal touch is often missing. While tools like Zoom have helped bridge the gap, nothing beats meeting face to face.
What career accomplishments are you most proud of?
I wouldn’t point to just one project or installation. What I’m most proud of is the feeling I get when customers are happy because their customers are happy. There’s no better feeling than creating solutions that result in a win-win for everyone involved.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work at Boilersource?
I love to cook, but I have a real passion for baking. I bake everything – breads, pastries, pies, cakes. My mother taught all my siblings to cook, and we’re all good at it, but I focused on baking because no one else in the family was doing it. My daughter went to French pastry school, and that deepened my interest even more. Through baking, we’ve really bonded. I’m also a proud new grandfather to a beautiful 5-month-old girl named Amelia.
Lastly, what advice do you have for those entering the industry?
Listen to your customers and their customers. It’s not about what your selling, it’s about what they need. Find solutions to their pain and success will come naturally. Strive to develop personal relationships with your customers. Some of my customers have become close friends which makes life so much more enriching. Be passionate about helping others and you will enjoy every day.
Entertainment & Amusements
Brain Teaser
This month we have a New York Times Connections Game Inspired Puzzle
The Mechanical Connections Game! Your goal is to categorize the following 16 words/phrases into four groups of four that share a common theme. This puzzle focuses on terms relevant to mechanical contracting.
Word List:
MicroCHP
Copper
Union
Globe
Elbow
Boiler
Coupling
Cast Iron
Plastic
Gate
Water Heater
Needle
Steel
Butterfly
Cross
Heat Pump
Monthly Recipes
The Steaming Cauldron Dip
This spooky yet delicious dip resembles a bubbling boiler system, perfect for Halloween entertaining! It combines the warmth and richness of melted cheese and savory flavors, with a smoky, "steamy" effect that will have your guests thinking they've stumbled upon a mysterious cauldron.
Ingredients
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 cup cream cheese (softened)
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup whole milk
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1/2 cup crumbled bacon (optional, for a "mechanical" texture)
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1/4 cup diced green onions
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1 tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky boiler taste)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Dry ice (for visual effect, optional)
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Assorted dippers: tortilla chips, bread cubes, vegetable sticks
Directions
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Preheat Your Boiler – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
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Build the System – In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, and seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper). Mix until smooth.
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Mechanical Maintenance – Stir in crumbled bacon (if using) and diced green onions for added texture, like the moving parts of a well-oiled machine.
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Heat the Boiler – Transfer the mixture into a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling like a steaming cauldron. If using the skillet, keep it over medium heat until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
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Optional: Create the Steam – For a dramatic, "boiler system" effect, carefully place a few small pieces of dry ice around the dip’s serving dish (outside of the food!) just before serving. Pour hot water over the dry ice for a misty, steaming cauldron appearance.
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Serve and Sizzle – Surround the dip with your favorite dippers like tortilla chips, bread cubes, and veggie sticks, and let guests dip into the "steaming cauldron" of cheesy goodness.